Making a Difference: Ellyn Jaques Boone
Ellyn and Her Four Legged Artists Paint More Than the Town Red

by Valerie Fausone

Will Rogers must have known someone like artist Ellyn Boone when he remarked, “We can’t all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.” And clap we should. Paws for Love is an annual fundraiser that raises more than $50,000 for Sonoma County animal shelters. Going into its ninth year, Paws for Love is part gala, part auction, part art exhibit. The February event showcases paintings done by shelter dogs with Ellyn’s help. Dog artists from area shelters and as far away as Wyoming paint with paws, tails and much enthusiasm as the creative process unfolds. The resulting masterpieces are offered for sale to raise money to help homeless dogs find a family to love. The all-volunteer effort receives donations from celebrities as well as support from the 500 guests who come to the “gallery” and buy art. Carlos Santana, harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite, the cast of “Friends,” Amy Tan and Joe Montana have donated to Paws for Love. However, the stars of this show are the artists themselves. Every painting has a story to tell.

Paws for Love got started by accident. While Ellyn was working on a painting in her studio, her two shelter dogs, Woody and Cooper, got into her paints. They walked over the canvas and all over the house, leaving a trail of red, gold and green paw prints everywhere. Ellyn, the consummate artist, saw opportunity in the mess. The idea for painting with dogs was born. Ellyn Boone decided to use her dogs and her art to do something about the urgent needs of dogs languishing in shelters. Ellyn set out to establish a one-time event that’s transformed into a local gala with national support and attendance.

By adopting Woody and Cooper, and later a shelter dog named Lucy, Ellyn saw first hand what urgent needs confront puppies and dogs waiting for a home. Funds from the Paws for Love auction and art sale supports spay/neuter programs, veterinary care and equipment and adoption activities. Woody, the PFL mascot, had been chained to a tree for his first year of life and, according to his shelter chart, was “too big and too much trouble,” for the family that had him. Luckily, Ellyn didn’t agree. The late, great Woody lives on through Paws for Love.

Q: What happens when you paint with shelter dogs? Are the dogs wary of you?

Boone: For some reason, they are happy to see me. They seem to ask, “What took you so long?” They respond to love, touch and to play. It’s not difficult to get them painting, although sometimes I wear more paint than the canvas! They will tell you if they’re afraid of having their paws or hind ends touched. I will do what they allow me to do. I’ve had dogs roll in it. Wagging tails are always good paint brushes. Some paintings are a combination of both.

Q: Do you paint with local dogs or can you go anywhere?

Boone: I’ve painted with dogs here and in many states. I did a painting with Bailey, a beagle rescued from Hurricane Katrina. Bailey had advanced heartworm and his lungs were scarred by toxic water he ingested following the storm. He had difficulty breathing, had fleas, ticks, and was frightened and underweight. He was adopted by Bay Area resident Mary Raso, health issues and all. Mary brought him to the Bay Area Pet Fair where we participated in the fair’s tribute to Katrina’s animal victims. Bailey got a new home and got to paint for Paws for Love. That story had a happy ending.

Q: Do you get frustrated and sad that you can’t save them all?

Boone: The problem of homeless animals and abuse is so overwhelming at times, and heartbreaking, that I will leave a shelter in such pain that it would be easy to reach that tipping point of becoming immobilized by what I see. But that won’t help these animals, of course. And I know that